Brian Urlacher (born May 25, 1978 in Pasco, Washington) is a linebacker in American football who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. At the age of six his family moved to Lovington, New Mexico, and he attended the University of New Mexico. In 2000 Urlacher was named The NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press. He has been named to the Pro Bowl four times, and has continued the tradition of excellence for which the Bears are noted at the middle linebacker position, a tradition established by such past stars as Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary. He has surpassed the Bears record for Dick Butkus with 214 tackles in 2002. He was the Bears leading tackler in 2000, 2001, and 2002.